
The Gateway Arch in St. Louis is the tallest man-made monument in the United States. Given my dislike for heights, it is the only part of St. Louis I won’t miss when I leave tomorrow.
I’ve spent the last two days with Missouri Baptist University, speaking in chapel, classes, and meetings. The University, from President Alton Lacey to every student I’ve met, has been wonderfully welcoming and gracious. We’ve been discussing the Fifth Great Awakening–the explosion of Christian growth occurring around the world–and ways we can join what God’s Spirit is doing.
One student I met today made an especially strong impression on me. She has a heart for Muslims that began when she met a woman from Jordan at a local Wal-Mart. The two became friends; the Muslim taught her some Arabic, while she helped the immigrant with English. She then found a way to spend four months in Sudan, sharing Christ with Muslims in that war-torn country. Now she wants to be part of a spiritual movement on her campus, and is praying for God to use her however he wishes.
I’m convinced that students are the gateway to awakening in our culture. They want more of God than they have, and are not satisfied with programs and buildings. On every campus I visit, I meet young adults who are praying fervently for spiritual renewal at their school. Every great awakening in American history has involved students. I’m praying for the Spirit to use this generation as catalysts for the revival our nation needs.
Will you join me?